Silicon Valley Cemetery and Genealogy

The cemeteries in Silicon Valley have a deep historical connection to the local communities. They bring residents and visitors closer to an understanding of the past and help to provide insights into how people within the area used to live. By looking at the headstones and reading details about those that have since passed, information can be gleaned on the importance of individuals in their community at the time that they lived as well as the jobs and social connections they had during their life.

Located at Main St and Route 92 in Half Moon Bay, California, the Pilarcitos Cemetery was established by the Catholic Church. The cemetery, in use from 1820 to 1923, was established by priests from Mission Dolores.

While touring the Union Cemetery in Redwood City, California, this adorable and apparently stray cat appeared to be the watchmaster for the small, fenced in area that held the Cooley family plot. The plot contained three worn graves and a fairly large crypt. The historical association's tour group spent close to an hour touring the historical graves in the cemetery and upon our departure, the cat was still resting upon the crypt.

The San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home is a columbarium owned and operated by Dignity Memorial, at One Loraine Court, near Stanyan and Anza Streets, just north of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California.

This photo was taken in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Menlo Park, California. The sea shell wind chimes were hanging in a tree near an area of family graves.
About the history of wind chimes in cemeteries: Wind chimes are often placed in trees near cemetery graves to attract peaceful spirits while protecting against evil forces. This idea originated in the second century CE, when wind bells were often suspended around Asian temples.
The shell symbolizes a journey to the heavenly realm.

Wooden grave marker for Chris Dutsch (1939-1999) at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Pescadero, California. Chris Dutsch was a graduate of San Jose State University and an avid painter and sculptor for over 40 years.

This photo was taken in November 2009 and features the Bowie Mausoleum at St. John's Cemetery in San Mateo, California.
Henry Pike Bowie and his first wife, Agnes Howard, are interred in bronze caskets within this mausoleum. Agnes died in 1893, and Henry died in 1921 (at the age of 72). Henry Pike Bowie was an American lawyer, artist, author, Japanologist and diplomat. He was the co-founder of the Japan Society of Northern California, along with Stanford University's president, David Starr Jordan.

While touring the Union Cemetery in Redwood City, California, this adorable and apparently stray cat appeared to be the watchmaster for the small, fenced in area that held the Cooley family plot. The plot contained three worn graves and a fairly large crypt. The historical association's tour group spent close to an hour touring the historical graves in the cemetery and upon our departure, the cat was still resting upon the crypt.

Located in the Union Cemetery in Redwood City, California, this is the grave of Alfred John Beer. He died on April 20, 1909, aged 63 years. Native of England. He is buried with Charlotte A. Beer who was born in 1845 and died in 1941.

This photo was taken at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery (located in Santa Clara, California) in an area dedicated to deceased infants. The gravestones in this section were all in good condition with the exception of this one that was located right next to the inner cemetery road. The infant on the cameo was named Lydia Gonzales. Lydia was born on May 8, 1953, and died on December 7, 1954.

Cat on the Cooley crypt at the Union Cemetery in Redwood City, California

While touring the Union Cemetery in Redwood City, California, this adorable and apparently stray cat appeared to be the watchmaster for the small, fenced in area that held the Cooley family plot. The plot contained three worn graves and a fairly large crypt. The historical association's tour group spent close to an hour touring the historical graves in the cemetery and upon our departure, the cat was still resting upon the crypt.